>Edwards County Arrest Records Online

Edwards County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Edwards County, Illinois?

Arrest records in Edwards County, Illinois are public documents accessible to citizens pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the legal framework ensuring transparency in governmental operations by mandating that public records, including arrest documentation, remain available for public inspection. The Illinois FOIA specifically designates arrest records as public information to promote accountability within law enforcement agencies and the judicial system.

Members of the public should note that certain exceptions to disclosure exist under § 7 of the Illinois FOIA. These exceptions may apply to records containing sensitive information that could compromise ongoing investigations, juvenile cases pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/1-1 et seq.), or instances where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in § 7(1)(c) of the Act.

The Edwards County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Illinois State Records Act (5 ILCS 160/1 et seq.). Requesters seeking arrest information must submit proper identification when requesting records in person.

Edwards County Sheriff's Office
50 E Main St
Albion, IL 62806
(618) 445-2721
Official Website: http://www.edwardscounty.org/sheriff.html

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Edwards County?

Edwards County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by governmental entities and authorized third-party providers. The Edwards County Circuit Court provides limited case information through its electronic docketing system, though complete arrest documentation may require additional requests.

The Illinois Department of Corrections maintains the Individual in Custody Search database, which contains information about persons currently incarcerated or under supervision following conviction. This resource includes basic arrest information for individuals processed through the Edwards County criminal justice system who subsequently entered state custody.

Online access to arrest records is governed by Administrative Code Title 20, Section 1240, which establishes protocols for electronic dissemination of criminal history information. Users of online systems should be aware that:

Electronic records may not contain complete arrest information
Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
Certain sensitive cases may be restricted from online viewing
Official verification of online information requires contacting the Edwards County Circuit Clerk

Remote access to these records is available 24 hours per day, though system maintenance may occasionally restrict availability. Technical support for online access issues is provided during normal business hours.

How to Look Up Edwards County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Edwards County as of 2025. Interested parties may utilize any of the following procedures to access this information:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Edwards County Circuit Clerk's Office located in the courthouse. Requesters must complete a standard records request form and present valid government-issued identification. Processing times typically range from 1-3 business days for standard requests.
Written requests may be submitted via U.S. mail to the Records Division. All written requests must include the requester's full name, contact information, specific information sought, and a copy of valid identification.
The Illinois State Police maintains a criminal history database accessible through their Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP). Fingerprint-based searches provide the most comprehensive results.
Public access terminals are available at the Edwards County Public Library during regular operating hours. These terminals provide limited access to court case information, including basic arrest data.
Third-party commercial services aggregate public records, though the accuracy and completeness of these services cannot be guaranteed by Edwards County officials.

Edwards County Circuit Clerk
50 E Main St, Room 109
Albion, IL 62806
(618) 445-2412
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website: http://www.edwardscounty.org/circuitclerk.html

Contents of an Edwards County Arrest Record

Edwards County arrest records contain standardized information pursuant to Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 1240.50. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Subject identification information, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Arrest jurisdiction and agency information, including the arresting officer's name and badge number
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citations for alleged offenses
Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during processing
Fingerprint impressions collected at the time of booking
Case disposition information, if available
Bond information, including type and amount set
Court appearance dates and locations

The comprehensiveness of arrest records varies based on the nature of the offense and the stage of criminal proceedings. Records related to felony arrests typically contain more extensive documentation than those for misdemeanor or ordinance violations.

All arrest records maintained by Edwards County conform to the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635/1 et seq.), which establishes standards for accuracy and completeness. Individuals identified in these records have statutory rights to review and challenge inaccurate information pursuant to § 7 of the Act.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Edwards County

Edwards County residents may petition for expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances established by the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2). Expungement results in the physical destruction of records, while sealing limits access to authorized entities only.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Edwards County include:

Arrests resulting in release without charging
Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation
Certain non-violent offenses after applicable waiting periods

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

Obtain certified copies of arrest and court dispositions from the Edwards County Circuit Clerk
Complete the standardized expungement petition forms approved by the Illinois Supreme Court
File the petition with the Circuit Clerk and pay applicable filing fees
Serve copies of the petition to all arresting agencies and the State's Attorney
Attend the scheduled court hearing if objections are filed

Processing times for expungement petitions typically range from 90-120 days from filing to final disposition. If granted, the court order directs all agencies to expunge or seal the specified records within 60 days.

Edwards County State's Attorney
50 E Main St, Room 112
Albion, IL 62806
(618) 445-3213
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website: http://www.edwardscounty.org/statesattorney.html

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

Access to Edwards County arrest records is subject to specific statutory limitations designed to protect privacy interests and the integrity of the criminal justice system. Pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 20, § 2635/7, certain categories of arrest information are exempt from public disclosure, including:

Records pertaining to juvenile offenders under 18 years of age, except as provided in the Juvenile Court Act
Sealed or expunged records as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction
Records related to ongoing investigations where disclosure could impede law enforcement proceedings
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in § 7(1)(c) of the Illinois FOIA
Records containing information prohibited from disclosure by federal law, state law, or court rules

Law enforcement agencies in Edwards County maintain restricted access databases containing sensitive investigative information that is not subject to public disclosure. These confidential records are accessible only to authorized personnel with legitimate law enforcement purposes.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority oversees compliance with state and federal regulations regarding criminal history information. Violations of privacy protections may result in civil penalties under 20 ILCS 2635/15.